Trade Alert: The Group Human Resources Director Of Virgin Money UK PLC (LON:VMUK), Kate Guthrie, Has Sold Some Shares Recently

We'd be surprised if Virgin Money UK PLC (LON:VMUK) shareholders haven't noticed that the Group Human Resources Director, Kate Guthrie, recently sold UK£111k worth of stock at UK£1.71 per share. The eyebrow raising move amounted to a reduction of 44% in their holding.

See our latest analysis for Virgin Money UK

Virgin Money UK Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

Notably, that recent sale by Kate Guthrie is the biggest insider sale of Virgin Money UK shares that we've seen in the last year. So we know that an insider sold shares at around the present share price of UK£1.67. We generally don't like to see insider selling, but the lower the sale price, the more it concerns us. We note that this sale took place at around the current price, so it isn't a major concern, though it's hardly a good sign.

Over the last year, we can see that insiders have bought 140.37k shares worth UK£177k. On the other hand they divested 65.00k shares, for UK£111k. In the last twelve months there was more buying than selling by Virgin Money UK insiders. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

Virgin Money UK is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying.

Insider Ownership of Virgin Money UK

For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. Usually, the higher the insider ownership, the more likely it is that insiders will be incentivised to build the company for the long term. Insiders own 0.2% of Virgin Money UK shares, worth about UK£5.0m, according to our data. But they may have an indirect interest through a corporate structure that we haven't picked up on. Whilst better than nothing, we're not overly impressed by these holdings.

So What Does This Data Suggest About Virgin Money UK Insiders?

It is good to see recent purchasing. And the longer term insider transactions also give us confidence. But we don't feel the same about the fact the company is making losses. We would certainly prefer see higher levels of insider ownership but analysis of the insider transactions suggests that Virgin Money UK insiders are expecting a bright future. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing Virgin Money UK. For example - Virgin Money UK has 1 warning sign we think you should be aware of.

But note: Virgin Money UK may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

If you decide to trade Virgin Money UK, use the lowest-cost* platform that is rated #1 Overall by Barron’s, Interactive Brokers. Trade stocks, options, futures, forex, bonds and funds on 135 markets, all from a single integrated account. Promoted

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
^*Interactive Brokers Rated Lowest Cost Broker by StockBrokers.com Annual Online Review 2020

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.